FRONT YARD SLIDE SHOWS is an evolving digital storytelling project that asks people to make a slide show about the history of their house. Since 2022, a growing collection of 18 short films have been made with local residents living in the City of Unley, that reveal untold stories about the past and the present. The 18 videos can be seen online HERE
Conceived by Paul Gazzola and created in partnership with the City of Unley as part of its Beyond the Gate initiative, this project responds to a documented desire from residents to come together and connect with others in artistic activities that foster and enhance the local spirit of Unley. Storytellers collaborate with local residents to make a series of digital storytelling videos housed on a bespoke website. These firsthand stories explore house histories, people’s lives, their gardens, architecture, immigration, soldier and war narratives and the early settlement of SA.
Two distinct versions have been presented as part of the 2023 and 2024 SA History Festival’s, supported by Arts SA, City of Unley, OSCA & Toop and Toop Real Estate.
The first version in 2023, saw 7 stories developed in different locations with residents and screened in their front yards at night (plus inside one house). Over 350 people attended this inclusive community event across two Saturday nights in May.
The follow up version in 2024, re-framed the ever present and ubiquitous house for sale signs seen across the public domain into an openly accessible 24/7 multi-sited art installation. Graphically designed signs created by Rosina Possingham featured QR codes, images and texts were installed across 15 residential locations. The public could visit the sites as well as link to the website to watch the videos.
We are currently seeking participants from the Unley Council area to feature in the next iteration in 2025. Please complete the form below to register your interest.
